bodycraft
Youth choreoLAB
Inspiring the next generation of dance-makers and choreographers
Offering choreographic strategies, improvisational skills, individualized mentorship and collaborative blueprints for young dance artists, ages 6-18.
BODYCRAFT Mission
Improvisation, composition, and choreography are woven throughout the BODYCRAFT program as dancers strengthen their creative practice, learn to embody complex choreography, and develop their unique movement expression.
BODYCRAFT emphasizes creative risk-taking and collaborative art-making, supporting dancers in growing as both performers and emerging choreographers.
THE PROGRAM
BodyCraft classes and offerings are organized by age groups with the intention to offer age-appropriate skills and challenges to young artists.
To learn more about BodyCraft:
creative dance & improvisation
Creative Dance & Improvisation (for ages 6-9) invites young dancers to explore movement through imagination, play, and guided improvisation while building foundational dance skills. Exploring concepts from BrainDance and Bartenieff Fundamentals as well as traditional dance techniques, BodyCraft movement concepts strengthen body–brain connections, collaboration, and stretch the imagination through creative dance.
2026 SPRING SESSION
FEB 6 - MAY 1
Fridays | 3:45–4:45 pm
location: WESTSIDE THEATER
Students commit to the full 3-month session, with a final informal class showing on May 1.
FINAL CLASS SHOWING: families are invited to witness the creative work & skills developed over the session.
Contemporary Modern Dance Theater
Contemporary Modern Dance Theater (for ages 9-12) is inspired by the creative work of the BBD company and introduces dancers to the forms and vocabulary of contemporary modern dance through creative practices, improvisation, storytelling, physical theater, and collaborative movement-making. This class is designed as a valuable supplement to technique and movement classes that dancers are already taking at other studios in Missoula. No formal previous dance training is required to participate.
2026 SPRING SESSION
FEB 3 - APR 28
Tuesdays | 3:45–5:00 pm
location: WESTSIDE THEATER
Students commit to the full 3-month session, with a final informal class showing on April 28.
FINAL CLASS SHOWING: families are invited to witness the creative work & skills developed over the session.
Choreographer’s toolbox
Choreographer’s Toolbox (for ages 13-18) is designed for teens to cultivate the craft of dance composition and contemporary performance.
<< Starting FALL 2026 >>
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Bare Bait Dance Company Apprentice program
Bare Bait Dance’s long-standing Apprentice Program focuses on teen dancers looking for preprofessional performance opportunities for technically trained young artists. These performers are selected via the Company Audition (usually held every May).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BODYCRAFT PROGRAM:
-
Ages 6–9 (1st–3rd grade): Dancers are building comfort with moving their bodies, exploring creativity through play, and gaining confidence to try new movements in a supportive environment.
Ages 9–13 (4th–7th grade): Dancers are developing greater body awareness and self-confidence, becoming more willing to take creative risks and express ideas through movement, especially with peers.
Ages 13–18 (8th grade and up): Dancers are refining their ability to express identity and emotion through movement, with increased confidence to take risks, make choices, and explore personal expression.
-
In registering, it is important that your child is able to commit to the full session of classes. The goal of the program is to maintain the same community of students so we can keep building on the material and create a safe, supportive learning environment.
Please check out our other offerings at Westside Theater for drop-in classes. -
Dancers should be in clothing that allows for freedom of movement, and long pants/leggings are preferred. Dancers will move barefoot, with hair secured away from their faces, and without jewelry.
Please bring a water bottle!
-
BodyCraft’s emphasis is on creative risk-taking and collaborative art-making through improvisation, choreography/composition, and creativity. Though traditional dance technique and movements will be incorporated and taught, this is not the emphasis.
-
Yes! This programming is meant to supplement, not replace, the dance your child is already experiencing. We are proud of the diverse dance options in Missoula and have specifically tailored our offerings to support what already exists.
-
No! With an emphasis on exploration, BodyCraft can truly expand to dancers of all levels as they explore their own creativity and art-making.
-
Refund Policy
We do not provide make-ups or refunds for any classes missed throughout the session.
Absences
Consistency is essential in building community and for individual artistic growth. If your child should be absent for any reason, please contact Rachel Oliver Young, our BodyCraft Director.Late Enrollment
BodyCraft’s curriculum is designed to progress from class to class, and we encourage all dancers to participate in the entire course to benefit fully and build community within the class.
Late admission may be accepted on a case-by-case basis without priority.
Punctuality and Entering the Space
Entering a class already in progress can be intimidating for children. A timely arrival within 5 minutes of class will help make your child’s transition easier. Students must be picked up on time. BodyCraft does not provide pre- or post-care.
-
We want to expand dance opportunities for our community and don't want the fees to hinder your involvement. If you are interested in participating in BodyCraft but the fee is holding you back, we will do our best to support you. Please reach out.
-
The Westside Theater is fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The lobby and bathrooms are at street level, and the stage/dance space is available without the need for an elevator or stairs.
Please let us know if we can plan with you for any additional accommodations or needs, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com
the Team
rachel oliver young
Rachel Oliver Young brings almost two decades of experience as a dance educator, choreographer, and professional dancer. Rachel performed as a full-time company member with West Virginia Dance Company for three years and as a freelance dancer with companies and artists in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, performing in theaters, festivals, site-specific work, and multimedia projects. Rachel’s choreographic work has travelled nationally and internationally, and has been commissioned by various dance companies and colleges. Rachel is currently an adjunct instructor in the Dance Department at the University of Montana, a teacher at Studio M, and teaches BBD’s Open Company Contemporary Ballet. Most recently, she served for six years as Director of Dance at Denver School of the Arts, where she choreographed and guided emerging young artists. Rachel holds an MFA in Dance, as an Arts and Sciences Fellow at CU-Boulder, where she was awarded the Beverly Sears Graduate Student Award and the Graduate Part-Time Instructor Teaching Excellence Award by The Graduate School at CU-Boulder. Rachel is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, has an Alternative Teaching Licensure through the Colorado Department of Education, and is Limón Teacher Trained, all of which have deepened her knowledge in dance education. Rachel has taught dance courses and served as a guest artist at public schools, dance studios, and universities throughout the U.S.
BodyCraft Director
Stay tuned for a full list of BodyCraft’s Bare Bait Dance Mentors & Guest Instructors coming soon!
If you have questions or want more specific information, please reach out to BodyCraft Director, Rachel Oliver Young: rachel@thewestsidetheater.com